Posted by By Tony Amokeodo and Sola Adebayo on
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Saturday arrested a friend of the Governor of Delta State, Mrs. Udoamaka Onuigbo, for alleged money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Saturday arrested a friend of the Governor of Delta State, Mrs. Udoamaka Onuigbo, for alleged money laundering.
Our correspondents gathered that Onuigbo was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, following a tip-off by the Metropolitan Police of London.
The source added that Ibie and Onuigbo were allegedly arrested about five months ago in London for money laundering and were subsequently granted bail.
He, however, claimed that Onuigbo allegedly jumped bail in London and flew to Nigeria.
But the Metro Police quickly put the EFCC on the alert, which led to the arrest of Onuigbo.
Ibie was still in London as at press time.
There were conflicting reports on the mission of the two women in London.
A source claimed that Onuigbo had allegedly confessed that she was sent on errand by a former top government official in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Another source said Onuigbo and Ibie were questioned by the Metro Police over transactions involving a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
When contacted on the telephone in London, Ibie said she was not involved in money laundering.
She said, 'I have no problem with any police in London or Nigeria. I am not involved in any case. I am in London with my children, nobody has arrested or detained me."
On his part, Uduaghan said, 'I am not involved in any money laundering and nobody confessed my name in connection with any shady financial deal.
'My records are clear and open to scrutiny.
'This is the handiwork of my enemies to truncate my gubernatorial aspiration. I have led a selfless public life. I have nothing to do with money laundering."
The Special Assistant (Media Relations) to the Governor, Mr. Sheddy Ozoene, said, 'Nothing has to do with the Delta State Government."
On the tie between Onuigbo and Ibori, the Special Assistant said, 'She (Onuigbo) does not have any personal relationship with the governor.
'I won't know how many friends the governor has. I cannot know all the friends of the governor."
The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Festus Okubor, said,
'The state government did not mandate anybody to launder money for it.
'The EFCC has a right to probe anybody. We do not have a hand in money laundering.
'Governor Ibori's wife was not arrested and the governor does not have a girlfriend."
On the governor's sister, Okubor said, 'She is resident in London and she has unrestricted access to Nigeria. She was in Nigeria two weeks ago to attend a social function."
As at press time, it was learnt that pressure was being mounted on the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, to resolve the issue amicably.
But Ribadu was said to have told a northern businessman, who intervened in the matter, that the issue was beyond his power. He was said to have insisted that the Metro Police were involved in the case.
No EFCC official was available for comments as at press time.
The arrest of Ibori's friend came barely a few days after the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Gozney, claimed that two governors were wanted by the Metro Police.